November 7, 2012

my winter skincare

Winter is around the corner and weather changes the skin dramatically. Here are some of the things I'm using to save my dry and sensitive skin:

1. Cleanse & tone with La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution: When you're too tired in the morning or night to stand over the sink, use a soft cotton pad with this amazing solution specially designed to remove impurities and capture any dirt without being harsh. It's the only water-free cleanser I've used that has truly wiped away everything leaving my skin feeling squeaky clean. I've even washed my face over the sink and used this cleanser afterwards - it took off all the makeup or dirt that was still left. It's super gentle and safe for sensitive skin and eyes.

2. Moisturize with Arcona Magic White Ice and Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Cream: I have extremely dry skin, which just gets worse once Fall comes around. Thus I like to use Arcona Magic White Ice as a serum, since it's a light hydrating gel and it's packed with antioxidants. I then layer on Rosa Arctica which is thicker and acts more as a moisturizing, anti-aging cream. It has a unique ingredient - the rare "Resurrection Flower" - that is said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve firmness, and dramatically hydrate. I can definitely feel the Rosa Arctica working everytime I put it on, so I absolutely love this cream. I also use Rosa Arctica eye cream, which is brightening as well as moisturizing for the sensitive undereye. For those who don't need such a heavy cream, there is a lightweight version of the Rose Arctica.

3. Tint and protect with Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42: This is the second BB cream I've tried and it will be the last. It actually doesn't break out my sensitive skin, unlike the previous one I tried from Estee Lauder. While the tinted BB cream feels light, it is plenty soothing and moisturizing and a little goes a long way. It provides even and ample coverage for the skin, to the point where I don't have to use concealer, and it leaves a dewy finish. As a BB cream, it also carries other properties such as whitening, anti-aging, and UV protection. Don't get fooled or scared when I say whitening - I'm definitely not a person who wants to "whiten" my skin, but I've learned that whitening simply means lightening dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Not sure if it is due to this product, but I have noticed a more even tone to my skin! FYI I use #27 Honey Beige.

People call me the moisturizing queen for a reason - I'm addicted to moisturizers (for face and body). Probably because my skin easily gets dry, so it's a necessity. I realize that layering three different moisturizers could be excessive, but this routine and all of these products completely work for my dry and sensitive skin. I used to be someone who would switch between products and never buy something twice, but I honestly can't imagine using anything else for a long, long time.

I am such a huge fan of Kiehls. I love Rosa Arctica esp. I also love using Clarins. Those are my two go-to skin brands. I feel like as a 20-something I need to jump on the anti-aging bandwagon ASAP, right?!